Who We Are

Journeys is an inclusive community that believes each of us has spiritual wisdom to share based on our own life’s journey. The spiritual leadership of each Journeys group rotates regularly. Our gatherings are often led by members who have worked closely with the Creative Team in planning and executing a theme for their reflection. We also invite outside speakers from time to time and engage in leaderless meditations.

The practical and spiritual leadership of Journeys Community is comprised of a Creative Team, which is responsible for planning themes for each service. Our business leadership is overseen by a Board of Directors that is comprised of members of the community as well as others who have an interest in Journeys. We also rely on many volunteers who assist with community outreach and planning for our events.

Our Creative Team:

Valerie Bornemann- President- Valerie lives with her youngest son, Adam, in Howard County, Maryland. She is a practicing veterinarian and owner of the Western Howard Pet Wellness Center. Although baptized in the Episcopal Church, Valerie caught Harry Brunett’s vision for a seeker ministry and followed him to Journeys Community where she has been on the planning committee for the past six years. She is an avid reader and gardener and enjoys traveling and classical music.

Michele Cosentini - Michele is a married mother of two and a professional singer. Despite growing up in an agnostic household, she was always curious about religion and spirituality. With each major turning point in her life, her desire to realize her own spirituality, and to connect spiritually with others, continued to grow. Unable to find a sense of connection through traditional means, she ultimately found Journeys Community. Through the gift of music, she hopes to enrich each service and help connect all those present with the message and with each other.

Dave Leoni - Dave has been in pop bands since age 12. In the Summer of 1976, he completed his bachelor’s degree in Music Performance for Classical Guitar at Towson State University and has been the proprietor of the Dundalk Music Center ever since.He has worked shows with Little Anthony & the Imperials, The Drifters, The Fleetwoods and others, and has played steadily for GAZZE (a nine-piece variety band) since February, 1996. As a member of Journeys since September, 2001 Dave believes the sharing community is also a compassionate community. He says, “I feel like Journeys has helped me to quiet myself, if that is even possible. I have become more in tune with living in the moment. I may not live in the moment all the time, but I am at least aware of the difference.”

John Ryan - John found his way to Journeys Community by accepting the position of Technical Director. Here he gets to use his creativity and knowledge of technology to help craft Journeys services to be as uplifting as they can be. This position also filled the void he felt to be a part of a community where he could be himself and follow a path of spirituality on his own terms (and not what others think it should be.) John also manages the website and weekly newsletters for Columbia. If you would like to add something to the newsletter or request information, please contact him at journeyscommunity@gmail.com

Our Board of Directors:

• Valerie Bornemann
• Michele Cosentini
• Jerry & Janis Cripe
• John Ryan
• Joanne Susca
• Evelyn Templeman
• Hugh Tousey